Monthly Archives: March 2012

Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund to Honor 17 Nurses and One Physician at Annual Awards Dinner

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 27, 2012 – 5:04 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

KALAMAZOO, MI – The following registered nurses (RNs) and physician have been selected as recipients of the 2012 Friends of Borgess Nursing awards:

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2012 Borgess Friends of Nursing Award Recipients
 Borgess Lamplighter Award – James L. Wierman, DO, FACP – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

Rising Star Award – Erica Danov, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award
 Judy Cooper, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Doreen Hilton, BSN, RN – Borgess-Pipp Hospital
Mary J. Smith, RN – Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice
Shannon Wixson, BSN, RN, CDE – Borgess Medical Group

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award (tie) – Nan Meyers, MSN, RN, CNRN – Borgess Medical Center and Susan Kay Ryan, MS, RNC-NIC – Borgess Medical Center

Nursing Leadership Award – Janet Bierlein, BSN, CPHQ, CSHA, CHC, CCEP – Borgess Medical Center

“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, chief development officer, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal. This year, the following RNs will receive grants:

2012 Friends of Borgess Nursing Certification Grants
 Danyell Burrus, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Caroline Kusa, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Holly McDonald, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Mary Tumbleson, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Desiree Cortes, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Brook Mishler, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Maggie Paynich, MSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center

Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence
 The Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University. The event will begin with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $41,000. So far, $157,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

“Regardless of how donors decide to support the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, they can rest assured their contribution will not only advance professional nursing practice, but also make a difference in the lives of patients and families across our community,” McDonnell added.

For reservations or more information about the awards dinner, call (269) 226.8100, or go to foundation.borgess.com.

Borgess Medical Center Awarded Primary Stroke Center and Heart Failure Certifications

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 22, 2012 – 8:00 am
Filed under Borgess Brain & Spine Institute, Borgess Heart Institute

KALAMAZOO, MI – Heart and stroke patients need to look no further than Borgess Medical Center for verification of top care for stroke and heart failure.

The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association are designating Borgess as a Primary Stroke Center along with Advanced Certification in Health Failure. The health ministry as a result is allowed to use a combination logo consisting of The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ and a heart check mark for Advanced Disease Specific Certification for both heart and stroke programs.

“Both the designated seal and heart check mark signifies that Borgess is providing the next generation of stroke and heart failure care,” said Linda Kline, MSN, NP-C, cardiac clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioner at Borgess Heart Institute. “Patients, their families and their loved ones can take comfort in knowing that some of the highest quality heart and stroke care in the state and around the country is available here at Borgess.”

“The designations show Borgess is committed to the highest level of care for its heart and stroke patients,” said Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process. I commend Borgess for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program was launched in 2002 and is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

“The AHA/ASA designations are the latest examples of how Borgess connects with patients to provide heart and stroke care that’s unique in southwest Michigan,” said Borgess Health President Paul Spaude. “We are proud to achieve this distinction from The Joint Commission. We are pleased to have The Joint Commission recognize our commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and to the region.”

About Borgess Health
 Borgess Health is a health system that offers high quality care in such areas as cardiovascular, neurosciences, orthopedics, vascular surgery, women’s health, primary care, emergency medicine, bariatrics, imaging, and long-term acute care. Borgess Health includes Borgess Medical Center, Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Borgess at Woodbridge Hills, Borgess VNA Home Care Borgess Hospice, the Borgess Health & Fitness Center, Borgess Gardens and many additional owned or affiliated services. The 123-year-old health ministry serves residents of 10 counties. It is one of the area’s largest health care providers and also is one of the largest employers. Borgess Health is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest Catholic health system. For more information, please visit www.borgess.com.

Area’s Only NCQA Recognition For High Quality Care

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 20, 2012 – 2:44 pm
Filed under Borgess Diabetes Center, Borgess Medical Center

KALAMAZOO, MI – Thirty-seven Borgess physicians have received recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing the highest level of diabetes care.

“Diabetes affects more than 66,000* people in southwest Michigan alone and increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions and complications,” said Dr Anthony Oliva, Chief Medical Officer for Borgess Health. “Borgess has raised the bar in clinical quality by having the first practices and only primary care practitioners in Kalamazoo County to achieve the NCQA recognition. This reinforces that our providers are measurably among the best in the nation in caring for patients with diabetes.”

The NCQA developed a voluntary program called Diabetes Recognition Program (DRP) that gives caregivers tools to support the delivery and recognition of consistent high-quality care. The program identifies providers who use evidence-based measures and offers excellent care to their patients with diabetes.

The DRP covers areas such as:

  • HbA1c control
  • Blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) management
  • Eye examinations
  • Nephropathy (kidney disease) assessment
  • Smoking status and cessation advice or treatment

Current NCQA-recognized Providers

  • John Bradtke, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 7895 Currier Dr., Portage
  • Douglas Campbell, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 1717 Shaffer Rd., Kalamazoo
  • John Collins, DO, Borgess Family Medicine, 391 South Shore Dr., Suite 320, Battle Creek
  • Sandra DeJong, FNP, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Jesse Duranceau, DO, Borgess Internal Medicine, 7895 Currier Dr., Portage
  • Timothy Gatz, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Sian Ghosh, NP, Borgess Internal Medicine, 7895 Currier Dr., Portage
  • Daniel Goldberger, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Yon Graham, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Patricia Hagerman, FNP, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • David Halley, MD, Borgess Family Medicine, 345 Naomi St., Plainwell
  • Nancy Heed, PA-C, Borgess Family Medicine, 345 Naomi St., Plainwell
  • Kurt Helgerson, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Kevin Holleman, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Aparna Kanaparthi, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 1701 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo
  • Dennis Konzen, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Michael Ku, DO, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Glicerio B. Lopez, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 842 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek
  • David Makowski, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Jonathan Martinek, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Gianna McKay, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Terri Jo McLive, FNP, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Constance Mumford, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Peter Newhouse, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Megan Niergarth, PA-C, Borgess Family Medicine, 345 Naomi St., Plainwell
  • Alexandra Oprescu, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 1701 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo
  • Al Pinon, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Tom Saad, MD, Borgess Family Medicine, 345 Naomi St., Plainwell
  • Abdul Shaikh, MD, Borgess Family Medicine, 345 Naomi St., Plainwell
  • Mary Slater, MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Lawrence Ulmer, DO, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Michael Valitutto, DO, Borgess Diabetes Center, 1722 Shaffer St., Kalamazoo
  • Stacey Watson, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 1717 Shaffer Rd., Kalamazoo
  • Karen Wessendorf, FNP, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Jennifer White, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 7895 Currier Dr., Portage
  • Larry Wile, Jr., MD, ProMed Family Practice, 7901 Angling Rd., Portage
  • Terry Wortz, MD, Borgess Internal Medicine, 1701 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo

Many of the providers recognized by the NCQA are now accepting new patients. For a referral, call (800) 828.8135.

The NCQA is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. Since its founding in 1990, the NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system, helping to elevate the issue of health care quality to the top of the national agenda. To learn more, visit ncqa.org.

*Source: Michigan Department of Community Health, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, September 2010.

Dr. Jennifer Frink Speak With WKZO About Borgess Robotic Surgery

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 12, 2012 – 2:57 pm
Filed under Audio Bytes, Borgess Surgical Specialties

Dr. Frink spoke with WKZO on March 12, 2012 outlining the patient-friendly elements of the Borgess Robotic Surgery Program.  Listen to the interview below.

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Even Better: Borgess Robotic Surgery Program

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 7, 2012 – 3:43 pm
Filed under Borgess Medical Center

The Borgess Robotic Surgery Program has entered a new era with the addition of advanced equipment and extensive surgical team member training.

“We secured the latest version of a multi-million dollar robotic surgical system as a result of a recent gift to the Borgess Foundation from a small group of anonymous donors,” said Debra Thompson, Administrative Director, Borgess Surgical Services. “We want to sincerely thank these generous Borgess supporters. It is a perfect example of a tremendous gift that helps the healers heal. Countless patients will benefit.

“The new technology required additional instruction for everyone who is involved with its use,” Thompson said. “Surgical teams attended an intensive training program at The Ohio State University’s multispecialty robotics program. In 1999, Ohio State doctors became the first in the U.S. to perform surgery with a new generation of surgical robots, and they have a dedicated clinical and administrative staff who share their expertise.”

Comprehensive and collaborative efforts
Borgess Robotics Surgery Program professionals include (left to right) Lynn Morrison, RN, Felecia Prewitt, RN, Luke Myers, RN, Jill Neidlinger, RN, and Rene Vega, CSTFA. (Other members include Kelley Blecha, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Ben Blades, RNFA, Matt Flora, CST, and Jatinder Singh, ST.)

“Our professionals took part in online training and hands-on practice with specially created robotic equipment,” Thompson said. “OR and support staff training also involved an Intuitive Team specializing in best practices for robotic programs. We want to thank the collaborative efforts of a special group of outstanding physicians who helped a great deal: Dr. Anna Hoekstra, West Michigan Cancer Center; Drs. Tony Gauthier, Suresh Potlori, and Brandon Rubens, Health Care Midwest Urology; and Drs. Jennifer Frink, Jennifer Thome and Rajiv Rangrass, Borgess Women’s Health.”

Many more Borgess physicans are involved in a number of key development stages of the Borgess Robotics Surgery Program. Additional areas include colorectal surgery and thoracic surgery procedures.

“Our new equipment and comprehensive team training are resulting in better patient care,” Thompson said. “We now provide improved and less-invasive surgical treatment choices in an ever-growing range of medical specialty areas.”

O’Leary Foundation Encourages Community To Support 10th-Annual “A Night Out With Muriel & Bob” Fundraiser

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 5, 2012 – 11:35 am
Filed under Borgess-Pipp Hospital

KALAMAZOO, MI – The O’Leary Foundation will host its 10th-annual “A Night Out With Muriel & Bob” fundraising dinner and dance on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 5:50 p.m. This year’s fundraising event will be held at a new location: The Fountains Banquet Center (535 South Riverview Drive, Parchment).

“Along with a night of friendship and fun, this annual event also offers the community the opportunity to support a very worthy cause—the Borgess-Pipp Hospital Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) training and certification program,” said Kevin O’Leary, president, O’Leary Foundation. “This is a highly sophisticated program that creates ‘experts’ to better care for our elderly in southwest Michigan. Borgess-Pipp was the first long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) in the country to pursue and receive this important designation.”

“Thanks to the continued support of the O’Leary Foundation, Borgess-Pipp can offer their patients access to nurses with superior leadership skills and experience,” added Tony McDonnell, chief development officer, Borgess Foundation. “Muriel and Bob simply lived to touch hearts and make their community a better place to live. By creating the O’Leary Foundation, their children and grandchildren have ensured that their legacy lives on.”

“A Night Out With Muriel & Bob” includes a dinner, dance, and silent and live auctions. Attendees will have the chance to bid on a variety of exclusive auction items donated by businesses across Allegan and Kalamazoo counties, as well as family and friends nationwide. In addition to Borgess-Pipp Hospital, proceeds from the event have directly benefitted several area human services, health and education-related organizations, from Wings of of Hope Hospice to Plainwell Community Schools to the Allegan County Crisis Center.

“Whether it’s someone who needs end-of-life care, a woman who needs a safe place to stay or a high school student in need of a scholarship, the money we raise stays in our community, helping people in our community,” O’Leary said.

About The NICHE Program
Launched in 1992, NICHE is the only national geriatric nursing program comprising nearly 300 hospitals located throughout North America. NICHE’s mission is to provide the principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of health care facilities and achieve patient-centered care for older adults. More information can be found at nicheprogram.org.

About The O’Leary Foundation
Established in memory of Muriel and Bob O’Leary, the O’Leary Foundation is a philanthropic organization that provides funding for programs in human services, education and health care that offer significant potential support for individual development and community enhancement. Those interested in sponsoring, attending or donating auction items to “A Night Out With Muriel & Bob” are encouraged to call (269) 720.6721, or visit olearyfoundation.com.